Low-grade lumber causes row

Wood producers in British Columbia have been accused in the US of unfair trade by increased use of timber with low government harvesting fees.

The US Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports said it may file a complaint under the Softwood Lumber Agreement between the US and Canada. The claim for damages could reach C$400m, a market analyst said.

The proportion of low-grade lumber in British Columbia’s timber harvest rose to 45% last year. In 2006 it was 10%.

“The key point of contention to US lumber producers is the increase in the proportion of low-grade timber in the British Columbia lumber industry’s log diet,” the analyst said.